I’d love to get one back on Cav at London 2012, says rival Goss

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AUSTRALIAN cyclist Matt Goss, who looks set to be the biggest obstacle between Mark Cavendish and road race gold at London 2012, has admitted he would love to spoil the Briton’s hopes of glory in his home Olympics

Cavendish pipped his former team-mate to the top prize at last year’s world championship and Goss cannot deny he would take immense satisfaction in returning the favour at the Games in a few weeks’ time.

Before then, the two sprint specialists will collide at the Tour de France, with the Tasmanian former Australian Rules Footballer hopeful his knowledge of the Manxman will give him an edge over other rivals.

“I’d love to beat him as an Aussie in England and get one back on him for the world championship where he beat me,” Goss told City A.M.

“It would definitely be nice, Mark’s going to be a huge competitor especially in London at his home Games, but there are going to be a lot of other bike riders there, it’ll be a race that’s very difficult to control and I’ll really have to keep an eye on everyone.

“We get along quite well and have a good relationship; we’re in contact quite often. It’s good to have some friendly rivalry I think. I know how he likes to ride and how he likes to approach the finish to a bike race – that’s definitely going to help when it comes to the Tour de France and the London Olympics.”

Goss, who rode with Cavendish at HTC-Highroad but is now with Orica-GreenEdge, is looking to lay down a marker in London on Saturday night at the IG London Nocturne elite criterium around the streets of Smithfield Market.

“It would definitely be nice to come to the Olympic Games having won my last race in London. I don’t think the races are very similar but it’s always nice to race there,” the 25-year-old added.

“It’s another chance to have a bit of intensity before my next block of racing and to race in a place where we wouldn’t get to very often. Racing under lights is a little bit different, it’s kind of cool as you usually get a good crowd out for dinner, so it’s always a nice atmosphere. I enjoy it.”

Cavendish will not be part of the Nocturne but three of his Team Sky colleagues, including Ian Stannard, will do battle in a field that also features Australia’s former Olympic track champion Brett Lancaster.